Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Week Seventeen - CST 363 - Database Systems


Relational tables and spreadsheets look similar with both having rows and columns.  What are some important differences between the two?

Spreadsheets are a simplified version of a relational database. One important difference between database tables and spreadsheets is that, unlike spreadsheets, databases are relational, meaning that data between tables can be linked and cross-referenced. Additionally, databases have more efficient built-in mechanisms for additions, deletions, and sorting.

What are some important reasons for using a database rather than just using files?  (from orientation slides)

As mentioned above, databases are relational which gives the user more flexibility when for links and cross-references. Also, databases allow for quick and easy additions, deletions, and sorting.

An SQL select statements has SELECT, FROM, WHERE, ORDER BY, LIMIT parts.  Which are optional and which are required?

Only the SELECT clause is truly required. Generally, the FROM clause is an important piece as well, but there are cases where it is not required.



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